before the spirit of the deceased
Honorific phrase written on condolence money envelopes or votive offerings at funerals and memorial services.
香典袋の表書きには「御霊前」と書きます。
On the front of a condolence money envelope, you write '御霊前'.
祭壇には「御霊前」と記された供物が並べられていた。
Offerings labeled '御霊前' were arranged on the altar.
Refers to the condolence money itself, while 御霊前 is the phrase written on the envelope.
Standard kanji spelling for condolence money envelopes and votive offerings.
Variant with ご in kana; less formal but still seen.
Compound of honorific prefix 御 (ご) + 霊前 (れいぜん), 'before the spirit'. 霊前 itself is from 霊 (spirit) + 前 (before).